Minnesota Legacy Amendment Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund
MELSA and its member libraries present an array of arts, cultural, literary, and Minnesota history programs in collaboration with arts and cultural organizations, independent artists, historical societies, and community organizations. Programs are funded in part with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008 which dedicated funding to preserve Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage.
MELSA Member Libraries
- Anoka County Library
- Carver County Library
- Dakota County Library
- Hennepin County Library
- Ramsey County Library
- Scott County Library
- St. Paul Public Library
- Washington County Library
Featured Programs
Community Cinema at the Library: Twin Cities area public libraries will host free screenings of films from the award-winning tpt series Independent Lens as part of its national engagement program, Community Cinema. Community Cinema pairs independent films with lively panel discussions featuring local experts and community leaders and moderated by hosts from tpt. These free screenings are presented in partnership with tpt, MELSA and the Independent Television Service. Click here for information about the film screenings.
America the Beautiful: The Monumental Photography of Clyde Butcher, presented by St. Paul Public Library, January 28 - April 10. http://www.sppl.org/programs/clyde-butcher.html
Kevin Kling, storyteller and author: presented by Carver County Library, January 12. Chaska Herald article on Kevin Kling's appearance at Carver County Library.
Background
In November 2008, Minnesota voters approved a constitutional amendment to dedicate funds for Minnesota's Outdoor Heritage, Clean Water, Parks and Trails, and Arts and Cultural Heritage. Under the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (ACHF) Minnesota's 300+ public libraries receive funding distributed through existing formulas to the 12 Minnesota Regional Library Systems to provide programs and services in four areas: arts (visual, performing and media), culture, literary and Minnesota history. The law states that these funds are intended "for regional programs and working with arts and cultural partners." MELSA receives $1,362,900 per fiscal year (FY1 July 2009-June 2010 and FY2 July 2010-June 2011). The MELSA allocation is divided into four areas:
- 10% to statewide projects in cooperation with other regional library systems
- 50% for local programs provided by the 8 MELSA library systems
- 40% for regional programming
- 2.5 % for administration
MELSA's Legacy Committee created a white paper outlining goals for the metropolitan region's libraries. The group recommends the following goals for the ACHF program:
- Highlight the unique role/position of public libraries in the cultural life and heritage of our communities, region and state.
- Develop sustainable partnerships between public libraries and other arts, cultural and educational organizations throughout the state.
- Utilize the local talent within arts and cultural organizations throughout the state.
- Develop innovative and exciting programs that our patrons want and use.
- Create cultural opportunities to serve the diverse demographics of our residents
- Be good stewards of a limited financial resource.